Aim: To study the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and the associated risk factors in an institution for the mentally retarded, in addition to its relation with hepatitis B infection (HBV).
Methods: The presence of antibodies against the HCV (anti-HCV) and markers for the HBV was evaluated in 94 mentally retarded subjects admitted to a single institution. Information concerning the sex, age, length of admission, type and degree of mental retardation, history of sexual promiscuity, surgery and blood transfusions was collected in every individual.
Results: The prevalence of infection by HBV was 22.3%. Only one individual was detected as being positive for the HCV.